Ripon, a historic city in North Yorkshire, offers a spine-chilling adventure with its five most haunted places, each steeped in eerie legends and ghostly tales
The Workhouse Museum
Allhallowgate, Ripon HG4 1LE
The Workhouse Museum in Ripon, North Yorkshire, was once a Victorian workhouse where the poor and destitute were sent to live and work under harsh conditions. This institution, dating back to the 19th century, provided a grim refuge for the impoverished, who were expected to work long hours in return for basic food and shelter. The history of the workhouse is steeped in stories of hardship, suffering, and sorrow, making it a potent setting for ghost stories.
One of the most well-known ghosts is that of a young girl who is said to have died within the workhouse’s walls. Visitors have frequently reported sightings of her spirit in the corridors and have heard the sound of her footsteps echoing through the halls. Many also experience a sudden drop in temperature and a cold, eerie presence in the room where she is believed to have died. The museum’s haunted reputation adds an extra layer of intrigue to its historical exhibits, drawing visitors interested in both history and the supernatural.
The Old Deanery
Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QS
The Old Deanery, a Grade II listed building, has a colourful history dating back to the 17th century. Originally built to house the Dean of Ripon Cathedral, it has been a significant religious residence for centuries. The most famous ghostly inhabitant is said to be a former dean who died in the building during the 18th century.
This spectral dean has been seen by both guests and staff, his ghostly figure often wandering through the halls before vanishing into the walls. Some report feeling an unsettling presence as they walk through the building, as though they are being watched. The Old Deanery’s haunted history complements its historical significance, making it a fascinating location for those interested in ghostly tales and architectural heritage.
Ripon Cathedral
Liberty Court, Minster Road, Ripon HG4 1QS
Ripon Cathedral, one of England’s oldest and most historic cathedrals, was founded in the 7th century and rebuilt in the 12th century. Over the centuries, it has been a place of worship, pilgrimage, and historical events. The cathedral’s long history is naturally accompanied by numerous ghost stories, the most famous of which is the Grey Lady.
The Grey Lady is believed to be the ghost of a woman murdered within the cathedral in the 13th century. Her spirit is said to haunt the crypt, and many have reported seeing her ethereal figure gliding through the ancient stone passages. Other visitors have described a sense of unease or coldness when near the crypt. The tales of the Grey Lady and other spectral figures add a layer of mystique to the already impressive historical and architectural significance of Ripon Cathedral.
The Unicorn Hotel
Market Place, Ripon HG4 1BP
The Unicorn Hotel, a historic coaching inn located in the heart of Ripon, has been serving travelers and locals for centuries. The hotel’s rich history is intertwined with tales of the supernatural, most notably the ghost of the Grey Lady.
Guests of the Unicorn Hotel have reported encounters with this ghostly figure, seeing her drift through the corridors and occasionally entering rooms. Some have described feeling a sudden chill in the air, an indication of her presence. The Grey Lady is said to bring a sense of melancholy and coldness, enhancing the eerie atmosphere of this historic inn. The Unicorn Hotel’s haunted reputation, combined with its historic charm, makes it a popular destination for those seeking both comfort and a brush with the supernatural.
Hell Wath Cottage
Studley Road, Ripon HG4 2QR
Hell Wath Cottage, a 17th-century cottage located on the outskirts of Ripon, is another historic site with a ghostly reputation. The cottage is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl who tragically drowned in the nearby river. This haunting story adds a layer of poignancy to the cottage’s picturesque setting.
Visitors to Hell Wath Cottage have reported hearing the ghostly laughter of a child and have occasionally seen her apparition in the cottage and surrounding gardens. The spectral sightings are often accompanied by a sense of unease and coldness, as if the air itself is touched by the tragic history. The haunting of Hell Wath Cottage, with its blend of beauty and sorrow, draws visitors who are intrigued by the paranormal and the history of the area.
Have you seen a ghost in Ripon? Tell us in the comments section below!
